Half term DIY blunders could cost UK millions

According to research, DIY blunders cost homeowners around £67m to fix, as Britons bite off more than they can chew in attempts to spruce up their property.

Related topics:  Property
Warren Lewis
13th October 2014
Property
Latest figures claim that over the past five years, a staggering two billion of us have ruined a DIY job, and one in 20 have had to call out an expert to fix it.

Top jobs most likely to go wrong include:

-Painting and decorating

-Applying sealant around a bath or shower

-Tiling

-Plastering

-Filling a whole or crack in the wall.

The study also shows that some four per cent of Brits have damaged their property as a result of botched DIY, with the most common causes being cosmetic (49 per cent) such as spilling paint, followed by water damage or electrical faults.

Over ambition and lack of knowledge are among the main causes of DIY disasters, says the report.

Estate agents Harrison Murray have some advice for those who hope to use the half term break to carry out some DIY.

Head of estate agency for Harrison Murray and The Nottingham, Su Snaith said:

“Firstly, if you are planning to put your home on the market, don't bite off more than you can chew when it comes to home improvements.

Secondly, if your intention is to spend time with the family over half term and fit in a few DIY jobs here and there, plan ahead and give yourself enough time to do both. Numerous homeowners do enjoy DIY, but while they may have bags of enthusiasm and a will to succeed, some may lack the basic skills required to carry out larger and more complex projects.

With internet tutorials now available on pretty much everything, these could arguably increase the chances of error in some areas.”

However, a few simple DIY and housekeeping tricks may have the desired effect - without having to call in the experts.”

-Give your home a mini makeover with a simple coat of neutral coloured paint to freshen up walls and paintwork.

-Hire a carpet cleaning machine and give your carpets a deep cleansing shampoo; it will make all the difference.

-Give your kitchen cupboards and units a new look with replacement doors and handles - which is far cheaper than a complete kitchen overhaul.

-Replacing the grouting around sinks and baths will give an instantly brighter and cleaner look, making bathrooms and cloakrooms more attractive.

-Make sure the doorbell and smoke alarms are in good working order and replace the batteries if necessary.

-Weather permitting, hire or borrow a pressure washer to make the patio gleaming again.

-Get the children to help out as and when they can. Ask them to have a clear out or tidy up of toys and belongings – in return for a reward, perhaps a football kick around in the park or trip to the cinema.

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